IOP § II(A): Admission to Practice

The requirements for admission to the Eighth Circuit bar are provided in FRAP 46(a) and 8th Cir. R. 46A. An attorney must be a member of the Eighth Circuit bar before appearing for oral argument unless the attorney is representing the federal government or has been appointed to represent a party proceeding in forma pauperis. An attorney who is not a member may file briefs, motions, and pleadings. Attorneys representing the federal government, attorneys appointed under the Criminal Justice Act, and attorneys appointed to represent a party proceeding in forma pauperis are exempt from the requirement that they be admitted to the Eighth Circuit bar before appearing for oral argument.

The fee for admission is $239. The form for admission is available from the clerk’s office or may be downloaded from the court’s website. Checks should be made payable to the “Attorney Admission Fee Fund.” The admission form and payment of the admission fee using a credit card, may also be submitted electronically, using the Utilities tab on the CM/ECF home screen. Admission to the Eighth Circuit bar may be granted in open court or by the clerk of court, but most admissions are processed by mail. Counsel will be mailed a receipt and bar certificate.

Attorneys may obtain Certificates of Good Standing by making a written request to the clerk’s office and paying a $21 service fee. Payment of the fee for a certificate of good standing may also be made electronically using a credit card using the Utilities tab on CM/ECF and paid through pay.gov. Fees are subject to change, and current fee information may be found on the court’s website under “Fee Schedule.”